Feb 01 , 2017
The Importance of Drinking and Eating Clean
If youre like many people, you grew up with a mother or grandmother who repeatedly told you you are what you eat. She made it a point to make sure you ate your veggies and kept junk food consumption to a minimum. She probably stressed the importance of drinking enough water and sticking to a balanced diet.
The fact of the matter is Mom and Grandma were right. The quality of what you eat and drink is vitally important, so clean eating and drinking should be considered musts. Lets take a closer look at some of the most important reasons why.
1. Youll be more energetic.
Weve all had days when we really just werent at our best days that found us feeling tired, scattered, and unproductive. Youd also be hard-pressed to find anyone who wouldnt do everything they could to feel that way less often. Sticking to a healthful diet that nourishes your body from the inside out is the best way to do exactly that.
Eating pure, whole foods that are high in essential nutrients and drinking plenty of clean, pure water gives your body the fuel it needs to keep you energetic and productive. It helps keep your blood sugar regulated as well, which further contributes to that energetic, positive feeling you love.
2. Your cardiovascular health will improve.
Eating and drinking clean is the best way to support your long-term health as well. This is especially the case when it comes to your cardiovascular system. A diet high in fruits and vegetables is also high in essential nutrients like Vitamin C. In addition to keeping your immune system healthy and functioning, Vitamin C plays a critical role in keeping your blood vessels strong.
Clean, health-conscious eating has also been shown to lower your risk of developing coronary heart disease. You have a much lower risk of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or having a stroke. Of course, the inverse is also true. Diets high in saturated fat and unhealthy food additives can raise your risk in regards to all of those things.
3. Youre less likely to develop cancer.
When it comes to diseases that strike fear into every heart, cancer is probably at the top of the list. Naturally, we all do what we can to lower our likelihood of ever developing it ourselves. For example, we wear sunscreen, avoid second-hand smoke, and get regular screenings.
Eating and drinking clean can lower our cancer risks even further. Many of the chemicals, preservatives, and additives present in processed foods have been linked to various cancers. However, a healthy diet high in whole, nutritious food helps fight the growth of those same cancers.
Youll want to start paying attention to the quality of the water you drink. Many of the toxins and contaminants present in both unfiltered tap water and bottled water have been linked to cancer and other health problems. However, water filters can remove all of these elements from the equation.
4. Your mental health will improve.
Healthful eating and drinking habits arent just good for your body. Theyre whats best for your mind and spirit. Some of the essential nutrients present in a balanced, healthy diet are essential when it comes to maintaining good mental health. For instance, B-6 helps your body create dopamine, a critical neurotransmitter when it comes to experiencing pleasure. Also, omega-3 fatty acids are critical when it comes to helping your body fight depression and mood swings.
Its also worth noting that chemicals and additives present in processed foods and unfiltered drinking water can contribute to mental health issues. When you take those out of the equation, you cant help but feel better.
5. You instill good habits and values in your children.
Last, but certainly not least, its important to set an example for your children. Your little ones develop lifelong habits based on what they see you do, not just what you tell them, so dont just talk the talk. Walk the walk as well.
Children who grow up in a home where clean eating and drinking are priorities will carry those habits with them all their lives. Theyll be less likely to develop health issues or become obese. Best of all, theyll eventually pass those values down to their own children. Get them started on the right path today!
